Power Boats

For vacationers and weekend warriors, motoring around Lake
Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire in a power boat is fun and
exciting.

Going across the broads to get to a destination on
the other side of the lake gives you the feeling that you're really
getting out for the day.

Other times, its fun to just putter along and stop at different places for a swim.

Many
people bring their own boat up for their vacation in New Hampshire or
even just for the day. If you do bring your own water craft up for the
day, there are many public ramps and docks around Lake Winnipesaukee.

For those who don't have their own, there are many marinas that provide rentals on a daily or weekly basis.

Sailboats

Lake Winnipesaukee is a wonderful place for New Hampshire sailing whether you're on vacation or just live here.

On the really windy days, you can enjoy several hours going across the broads.

When
there's just a light breeze, going for a sail can be a fun way to
enjoy the scenery or just have a great conversation with your mates.

Either way, sailing on Lake Winnipesaukee is definitely worth the experience.

If
you have a small sunfish or daysailer, there are many places you can
launch it.

Or, if you have a larger vessel you can find places to moor
it on Lake Winnipesaukee all season. It's a little more expensive, but
it makes it easier to go sailing for the day.

For those who don't own a vessel, there are a few places that offer rentals. In addition, you can try Bayswater Sailboat Rentals in Moultonborough, New Hampshire at (603)253-7245.

If
you feel you need sailing lessons, you can try the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing
Association on Smith Cove in Gilford (www.lwsa.org) which provides a
wide range of sailing lessons for youth and adults from May through
August. You can also contact them if you have a sailboat and want to get
involved in weekly cruising or racing this spring-summer-autumn on the lake.

Kayaks and Canoes

Kayaks and canoes are a quiet way to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee in New
Hampshire.

These are best for the coves and areas where the powered
vessels aren't everywhere.

If you have a larger cruiser, you
can load the kayaks or tow a canoe and anchor near some islands.

Every
year we get to take the kayaks to some secluded coves and just enjoy
the wildlife and scenery. Plus its a great time for kids to learn how
to kayak.

If you need to rent either a kayak or canoe check out Wild Meadow Canoes and Kayaks at (603)253-7536. They're very knowledgeable and can answer your questions.

Personal Water Craft (PWCs)

Personal water crafts have become a popular way to get around the lake. You can take them just about anywhere.

Since
the lake can get quite choppy during busy weekends, these are perfect
for enjoying the waves and wakes.

There are rules for using personal
water crafts, especially if you're close to shore.

These
same rules apply to any vessel but with extras. Many places in Central
New Hampshire rent personal water crafts on both Lake Winnipesaukee and
Lake Winnisquam.

PONTOON BOATS

A pontoon boat is a wonderful way to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire when there's
quite a few people in your party. They run smoothly
over choppy waves and it's a comfortable ride for everyone.

Many of them
have a canopy that keeps the sun off. I like them because you can bring
everyone and have a picnic aboard. Check out the various marinas for
New Hampshire boat rentals.

Lake Tours

For a tour of the lake on a grand style try the M/S Mount Washington, commonly known as "The Mount." Passengers can embark on a scenic cruise around the lake.

The
Mount usually stops at five ports: Weirs Beach, Meredith, Wolfeboro,
Alton Bay and Center Harbor. They also offer sunset and dinner cruises.
Check the schedule ahead of time.

In addition to The Mount, the M/V Sophie C. and M/V Doris E. are also available for a lake cruise.

The Sophie C. is a floating post office. They deliver mail to island residents and take on passengers for the trip.

The Doris E. offers scenic cruises of Meredith Bay and between the islands of Lake Winnipesaukee.

If
you're interested in taking a tour on Lake Winnipesaukee in an antique
boat, try the Millie B. Operated by the New Hampshire Boat Museum, the
Millie B. is a 1928-style all mahogany runabout. It's a comfortable
ride for all ages. For information, call (603) 569-4554.

"The
Winnipesaukee Belle," a turn of the century New Hampshire paddle
wheeler is a fun way to tour Lake Winnipesaukee as a group. It's
perfect for large groups or functions. Click here for more information
on the Winnipesaukee Belle.

As
you can see, there are many opportunities and different ways to enjoy
Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire. Try one or try them all.
You'll be happy you did.